Today, we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Balaun.
Hi Michelle, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I started in the fashion industry, you know, “The Devil Wears Prada” kind of world.
I have done everything in the fashion industry, from merchandise systems (pre-internet) to buying, selling, retail, wholesale, import, export, design, advertising, merchandising, fashion shows, mass merchant, and couture; I have been there, and got the t-shirt!
Managing clients from the Arctic Circle to Australia, all these different types of jobs always had one element: I was the liaison between groups. This is how I developed my unique skills as a branding expert. I lived in Europe for 15 years and traveled extensively for my job. I love soaking up all the different kinds of cultures and traditions, which has positioned me to understand how to express a brand’s core.
The core of a brand is what is missing if you cannot immediately recognize it. If you as a business owner struggle to create content then the problem is the core of the brand, that’s where all the creation work stems. Today, I assist entrepreneurs and companies in clarifying and evolving their brand, which is more than just a website and a logo. Those are the pretty elements at the end of much conceptual work.
All brands evolve, which is a good thing. When growing a business, you want it to evolve, but don’t leave your branding behind as an afterthought. It should be what is leading the company. The first step? A live brand audit to determine your actual digital footprint!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Life has lumps, bumps, and detours, and there is no way around that.
I have learned to look for opportunity in any situation, no matter how dark, because the sun always comes up in the morning. When faced with daunting situations, I find the best way out and move in that direction. Taking action is a great stress reliever.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
If your brand is older than a year or two, it is probably time for a brand refresh. No business is static, and besides, the world of commerce is growing and changing all the time.
Re-thinking your brand is the best investment you can make. I have a quick method for a live brand audit, future plans, and a 2-word personal band exercise. Everyone comes out with a clearer brand idea than when we started!
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the COVID-19 crisis?
The lesson I learned from COVID-19 is that we can live with less, we can live simpler, and the most important thing is our health. Also, eating homemade bread every day for a year will add the covid 19 to your hips!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://michellebalaun.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellebalaun/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.balaun/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-balaun-81617627/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqA1SHsnVRnuAcf_5I2vBmw
Image Credits
Andrea Blakesberg
